Colloquia

The basic theme of the talk is to emphasize the value of a physics degree when dealing with a wide spectrum of technical products and systems. Following the story line of his career as presented in his recent autobiography “As I Remember”, Scott will discuss the development of a number of military systems, US and international. In a light handed manner, he will summarize some community projects such as the Discovery Science Center in southern California, funding of a tax initiative for improved local transportation, and the formation by local businesses of the Robert Saunders scholarship for the school of engineering at UC Irvine. He will relate his physics background to the development of new semiconductor components and advanced automotive electronics, including the development of the EV-1, the first US commercial all electric vehicle by GM.

Bio: Dr. Walker received his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from the University of Virginia in 1961. Moving to California upon graduation, he joined Hughes Aircraft Company later to become GM Hughes Electronics. Over the next 37 years at Hughes he was given increasingly wide management responsibilities for the design and production of military systems, advanced industrial electronic components, international programs for air traffic control systems, both military and commercial, and advanced automotive electronics. Retiring in 1997 as Corporate Senior Vice President and member of the Office of the Chairman, Scott and his wife of fifty six years now reside in Indianapolis, Indiana.